A message from the Principal

Introductory statement from the Principal about our Student Mental Health Strategy.

In 2017 the University of Edinburgh developed its first Student Mental Health Strategy. Just four years later we are ready to relaunch a reviewed and refreshed strategy, built on University UK’s ‘whole university approach’, which is relevant to both our students and staff. This expanded approach is indicative of our holistic thinking where we see the mental health and wellbeing of our students and staff as inextricably linked. Embedded within our recent Strategy 2030 is our commitment to our people where we assert that “We will encourage and take care of one another. We will provide support in times of difficulty and celebrate success. We will build relationships that are mutually beneficial, long lasting and constructive.”

The University years for our students are a time of great change: gaining new knowledge; accumulating new experiences; independent living; new opportunities; being away from friends and family; meeting new people and the immersion into academic life, experiences that all bring with them tremendous excitement. Yet, often this time of potential transformation is also one which leaves us open to stresses and difficulties that can have an impact on overall wellbeing. It is critical that we openly acknowledge this and put in place pre-emptive, easily accessible, strategies that prioritise wellbeing, embed healthy behaviours and offer help and support to everyone that needs it. That is at the heart of our refreshed strategy.

Of course we cannot do this alone, it is critically important that we link with our partners in the National Health Service. While we continue to make our own investments in student support services, it is important that the University works effectively with the various NHS services, whether that be in supporting students to navigate the support available or strengthening the systematic and operational links between the University and NHS.

During the period of this review, 2020-2021, society has been living through the most challenging of times due to the global pandemic. We know that many members of our University community (as in all communities) have often struggled to cope, making the need to talk openly about mental health issues and the support available more important than ever. The fact that such conversations are becoming increasingly open and commonplace represents a significant positive shift and one in which the University of Edinburgh will continue to take an active part.

To ensure success of our strategy and to continue to reflect, review and improve, a strategy leadership group will monitor implementation against defined outcomes and Key Performance Indicators and report into the University’s governance and committee structure.

The University of Edinburgh is a global community, diverse, inclusive and accessible to all. We welcome, in fact it is essential to our ethos that, students and staff from all social and cultural backgrounds feel at home with us. This strategy is a key part in bringing that promise alive.

Professor Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor at The University of Edinburgh

June 2021